 Features are great but having a way to use them without typing cryptic commands is even better. Android is, always has been, and always will be jam-packed with software features. Even the most bare-bones software as seen on something like the Pixel phone will have features that you never knew you needed until you did need them. And it will also have features you didn't even know existed because they are hidden without any sort of user interface to actually use them. Thankfully, Android 11 brings two of these very useful features to the light with a proper — and easy — way to use them: screen recording and wireless ADB (Android Debug Bridge, a way to communicate with a computer). You've probably seen something on the internet about these "new" features, but what most people don't know or remember is that neither is new at all. That's a failure on Google's part; when something users or developers (or both) want is put into Android, not having a way to easily use them means maybe Google shouldn't have bothered in the first place, ya know? Enough of the old, let's look at the new. You can now record what happens on your screen, complete with touchpoint markers and audio, by simply tapping an icon in the quick settings bar. Previously, you needed to connect your phone to a computer and type out a command or find an app that could replicate the command on the phone itself. Neither is a bad thing, and it doesn't appear that either way will disappear. The biggest change from what I can tell is that now you can do it without the typing or a third-party app. Simply adding a third choice to how you can record your screen, especially one so easy to use, is what we love to see. Wireless ADB is yet another new feature that's not new. But if you think you might ever need to use it, thank whatever God(s) you believe in that Google finally made it easy to use. With Android 11, you toggle a virtual switch and enter in some network details. It will be even easier when Android 11 is final and QR code scanning is implemented. Previously, you needed to connect with a cable to authorize an encryption key, get the IP of your Android device after unplugging it, make sure ADB is in your computer's command PATH, then type the commands to enable a TCP port via ADB. Finally, you could connect your computer to your phone with a special ADB command that included the port you forwarded in the previous step. Granted, after you worked your way through it once, it wasn't difficult, but compare it to tapping a switch or scanning a QR code and you'll see why the people who wanted or needed wireless debugging are so happy. Follow this thread on OUR FORUM.  Every month, Microsoft releases new Windows 10 updates that are designed to fix security vulnerability, fix bugs and performance issues, and add new features. Unfortunately, due to coding bugs, the size of the Windows user base, and the varied hardware it is installed on, there are always bugs encountered after new updates are released. Some of these bugs, though, are critical as they could break features, drivers, Windows, or the device itself if you have incompatible software or the update itself is botched. For example, a recent Windows 10 update for November 2019 and May 2019 Update computers is causing dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) and data loss. Others reported a wide range of issues, including broken Bluetooth, internet connectivity issues, reduced performance, freezes and installation issues, and other problems. Even worse, in February 2020, Windows 10 KB4532693 was released to fix security issues with Edge and other core components, but several users encountered a file deletion bug caused by an incorrect user profile. Fortunately, Microsoft allows Windows 10 Home, Pro, and Enterprise customers to control when and how Windows 10 installs monthly and half-yearly updates. If a driver or update causes problems, you can delay updates, or you can uninstall it and block Windows from downloading it again. The only time we suggest that you install updates immediately is when Microsoft releases fixes on Patch Tuesday for know vulnerabilities that are being actively exploited or that require immediate attention. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to control and manage Windows Updates to delay or block a particular update that you don't find suited for your device or until you know that the update is not causing problems. For those who want to completely pause new updates until you know they are not problematic, Windows 10 Home, Pro, and Enterprise customers can do so via the settings app. For Windows 10 Home users, the pause feature works for only 28 days and 7 days in the preview builds. On the other hand, Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise users can delay the update for more than 28 days via the Settings app and as well as Group Policy.If a specific update is causing issues with your device, you can pause it with Microsoft's "Show or hide updates" troubleshooter. You can download and run the "Show or hide updates" troubleshooter from here. Once the app is downloaded, launch it and hide the update that you don't want to install again. Learn how to prevent Windows Update from running your day on OUR FORUM.  Ubuntu is the world’s most popular open-source desktop operating system, and we think this is our best release to date. Ubuntu 20.04 LTS is an enterprise-grade, secure, cost-effective operating system for organizations and home users. Before I summarise the changes in this release, let’s address something I’ve seen discussed in the wider desktop Linux community; there is a perception that the desktop is no longer a priority for us. Nothing could be farther from the truth, and here’s why; the people who use Ubuntu Desktop are often passionate people making huge waves in their industry. They want to build the next big thing, such as AI/ML, self-driving cars, public cloud services, and container orchestration. These have all emerged while we’ve been working on the Linux desktop, and all of these innovations have driven waves of Ubuntu Desktop adoption in the enterprise. As a consequence, Ubuntu was the first choice in these new domains. So even though Ubuntu is a popular community story, which we still celebrate today with emerging desktop remixes of Ubuntu such as Ubuntu Cinnamon, Ubuntu Deepin, and Ubuntu Lumina, it is also a significant part of how we have moved to the mainstream. By placing the very best of open-source in the hands of Ubuntu Desktop users, the Linux desktop is where all the major waves of tech innovation have come from in recent years. This is why we are committed to delivering a first-class workstation experience to fuel continued innovation and keep Ubuntu at the vanguard. You can’t miss the refreshed Yaru theme, from boot splash to the desktop. For most operating system vendors, having a distinctive look for the operating system is important in establishing their brand. With that in mind, Canonical hosted a design sprint in January with members of the Yaru community team, Ubuntu desktop, and design teams. Yaru was first introduced in Ubuntu 18.10, so if you’re upgrading from Ubuntu 18.04 LTS, this will be the first time you are going to see this bold, new, and unmistakably Ubuntu, look. Ubuntu now defaults to checking the integrity of the medium in use when booting into live sessions. This can be skipped by hitting Ctrl-C. We’ve enabled this because failed installs due to corrupt downloads of installation media are one of the most common error conditions that users encounter. For some years now, each Ubuntu release has received a new animal mascot. The Canonical design team typically furnishes the theme with a freshly crafted creature, and this release is no different. However, this time, she came with a name. Meet Felicity, the Ubuntu 20.04 LTS mascot. Felicity features in the default wallpaper, as is customary on new releases of Ubuntu desktop. However, our enthusiastic and creative users enjoy tweaking the stock experience. We provided SVG files to the community, earlier in the cycle, which gave them the opportunity to create their own remixes. Take a peek at the thread over on Ubuntu Discourse. For more images and a download link, please visit OUR FORUM. |
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